LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR YOUR
HOME |
Feature Lighting
Downlighting
 Of
the modern approaches to lighting, downlights are possibly the most
conventional. It is direct and generally energy-efficient, as it
concentrates the lighting in the specific area where it is required.
Downlights, usually recessed into the ceiling, form a three-dimensional
cone, or arc, of light which will vary in size depending on the
beam angle. If you concentrate downlights within the centre of a
room the cone of light will not spill onto the wall and create unwanted
'arcs' of light. Downlights are often used imaginatively, but excessive
use of it in this way can make a room appear gloomy, as the floor
is well lit whilst the walls and ceiling remain in shadow. In these
instances, some light on the walls may be desired.
Uplights
Uplights enhance a sense of height, making a room appear more spacious
than it is. The principal purpose of uplights is to direct light
up at the ceiling, which acts as a reflector. If your ceiling is
light in colour, this will provide a very diffuse, general light
whilst creating a sense of space. Uplights offer more flexibility
than downlights: they can be wall-mounted or free-standing, high-
or low-level and are available with a wide number of different bulb
(lamp) types. Ideally, uplights should be positioned in pairs to
give a sense of symmetry.
 Wall
washing
These are ceiling-mounted fixtures, which direct their light evenly
across a wall and can provide part of the general light. Unlike
downlights and uplights, wall washers emphasize the vertical surfaces
in your room, and are especially useful in enlarging the perceived
width of a room. As with other techniques, the brighter the colour
of the wall, the greater amount of reflected light
|
